Burmese Python in Florida: The snake that presses his prey to death |

The Burmese pythonHoused in Southeast Asia, has become one of the most notorious invasive species in Florida. Originally brought to the United States through the exotic pet trade, these massive snakes, some over 20 feet, made a flourishing population in the Everglades. Burmese Pythons, who are known for their incredible strength, kill by wrapping their mighty bodies around the prey and suffocating them. Their presence has strongly influenced the local ecosystems and hunted mammals, birds and even alligators. Without natural predators in Florida, their number continues and represents a growing challenge for conservationists and wildlife officials.

Burmese Python | Image source: Wikipedia

How Birmanic Pythons took over the Florida Everglades

Burmese Pythons were imported to the USA between the 1980s and early 2000s, mainly for exotic pet trade. Many owners who were not prepared for the immense size and care requirements of the snake have released them in the wilderness. In 2000, a self -supporting population was confirmed in the Florida Everglades. Experts believe that accidental escape during the hurricanes also contributed to their spread.

Burmese Pythons hunting technique

In contrast to poisonous snakes, Burmanic pythons kill by narrowing. They attack their prey, bite them to secure them with sharp, backward -facing teeth and then climbed the victim tightly. The pressure cuts blood flow and air supply, which leads to suffocation. Their flexible pine enable them to swallow animals that are much larger than their heads, including deer and even alligators.

Burmese Python | Image source: Wikipedia

Burmese Pythons wipe Florida's wildlife

Florida's native wildlife devastated the presence of Burmanic Pythons. Studies have shown a drastic decline in the populations of raccoons, opossums, rabbits and birds in areas in which pythons are set up. The ecosystem equilibrium continues to disturb their competition with local predators such as bobcats and alligators.

Efforts to control the population of the Burmanic Pythonen

Florida Wildlife authorities have started several initiatives to contain the Python population, including the Florida Python Challenge, in which hunters compete and remove as many snakes as possible. In addition, researchers examine the python behavior to improve the persecution and distance strategies.

Bobcats vs. Pythons: A surprising turn in Floridas Wildlife battle in Florida

Interestingly, recent studies have documented local bobcats who hunt python eggs. While this will not solve the problem alone, it indicates that some local species may adapt to the presence of the Python and offer a small but hopeful sign of the resistance of nature.